Bare-Stemmed Tick-Treefoil
Desmodium nudiflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
NY
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Naked-flowered tick-trefoil is a native wildflower with three-leaflet compound leaves and small pink to purple pea-like flowers that bloom in summer. The plant forms loose clumps in partial shade and produces triangular seed pods that can stick to clothing and pet fur. It naturalizes well in woodland gardens and shaded borders.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bare-Stemmed Tick-Treefoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Sticky seed pods can be considered messy
- Common name includes 'tick' which may concern neighbors
- Can appear weedy or wild to unfamiliar observers
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during summer blooms. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bare-Stemmed Tick-Treefoil fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.